Mayor Landrieu reactivates NOLA Pay It Forward Fund, calls on citizens to help those affected by Oklahoma tornado

May 24, 2013

NEW ORLEANS, LA–Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu reactivated the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund for New Orleanians to contribute to recovery efforts following the deadly May 20, 2013 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this devastating storm,” Mayor Landrieu said. “The people of New Orleans know what it’s like to suffer through a catastrophe and we remember all of those who helped us when we needed it most. Through this fund, we hope to pay it forward to another community struggling to recover and rebuild.”

Mayor Landrieu launched the NOLA Pay it Forward Fund in May 2011 to contribute to recover efforts following the Mississippi River flooding disaster. To assist communities recovering from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Mayor Landrieu reactivated the fund and hosted a benefit concert that raised $50,000 for hurricane relief and recovery efforts.

The fund is housed with the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

"We welcome this partnership with the City of New Orleans and we’re pleased to administer the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund," said Albert Ruesga, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. "The Fund will provide resources for early relief efforts and long-term rebuilding for those communities impacted by the catastrophic tornado in Oklahoma.”

Those interested in donating to the fund can go online to http://www.gnof.org/donors/give-now, click “Specify the Fund Name” and enter “NOLA PAY it Forward Fund.” Donors can also contact Allie Betts, donor relations manager at the Greater New Orleans Foundation at 504-598-4663 or allie@gnof.org.